Farmers support 41 community projects with new Revive Fund investment

GUELPH ON – The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has approved more than $96,000 in funding to its Revive Fund for 2025. Additional contributions from county and regional federations and other partners will boost that investment to approximately $267,900 for projects to be completed this year.

The Revive Fund provides matching funding to help the OFA’s 51 county and regional federations plan, develop and carryout projects that support agriculture and their local communities. Since the Revive Fund was first launched in 2021, all partners have made a combined total investment into the program of approximately $1,242,000.

In 2025, 31 county federations are participating in 41 different projects around the province. The activities are varied, ranging from rural land use training, governance and team building, board leadership and development and strategic planning, to grain extraction training, first aid, CPR and member appreciation events.

“The OFA is a strong believer in supporting community engagement and we appreciate the enthusiasm and commitment that our county and regional federations bring to initiatives and projects in their local areas,” says OFA Vice President Ethan Wallace. “The Revive Fund has resulted in investments of more than $1.2 million into local communities, which is a milestone to be proud of.”

Over the years, the Revive Fund has supported projects like training first responders in agricultural emergencies, helping food banks, developing farm and road safety signage, and educational initiatives to help people learn about food and farming. Details, results and photos of Revive Fund projects are available on the OFA website.

The Revive Fund was established by the OFA in 2021 when many farming and rural communities were struggling under the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. OFA’s county and regional federations are eligible to apply for funding to support local projects focused on farmer mental wellness, farm health and safety, leadership development or member engagement.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) represents 38,000 farm families across the province and serves as the leading advocate and strongest voice of Ontario’s farmers. As a dynamic farmer-led organization, the OFA represents and champions the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more.